Author: Mike Fietz

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Uncovered: The confusing world of pet insurance

In this installation of his column, Dr. Mike Fietz counsels on pet insurance.

For all the joy that animals bring into our lives, the stress of having a sick or injured pet can take a toll. Worrying about a pet’s welfare can be taxing enough, but the financial burden of diagnostics and treatment can add another layer of strain. Pet insurance can help dull the blow of unexpected illness, but it isn’t right for everybody.

Pet insurance doesn’t necessarily result in cost savings for the policy holder, nor is it specifically intended to. If a pet stays fairly healthy throughout its lifetime, an insurance plan may wind up costing more than the care it covers. If that same pet requires an emergency surgery or a long hospital stay, the math may turn out more favorably. But that’s just the nature of insurance. The point is to spend a predictable and manageable amount of money to hedge against the unexpected. As with human medical insurance, the healthy subsidize the sick.

There are differences, however. For better or worse, human medical insurance is tightly woven into the fabric of health care. You flash your card and pay a small copay, and the remaining negotiations happen behind the scenes. With pet insurance, you still have to pay for the entire visit up front. After that, you file your claim and hopefully get reimbursed. It works out in the end, but the process can create a window of financial strain while things process.

Instead of paying monthly premiums to an insurance provider, another option is to contribute the equivalent amount to a personal fund—sort of a homegrown health savings account for your pet. This keeps the money more flexible and immediately available but comes with an obvious catch. If a medical emergency arises before enough money has accumulated, you may be left short.

If you decide that pet insurance is the way to go, it remains vital to do research into plans and options because it is pretty much the Wild West. Some plans only cover accidents and illnesses and leave you on your own for routine preventive care like check-ups and vaccines. Others may exclude certain conditions or treatments like behavioral problems or dental care. It is likewise important to consider what illnesses might be common in your pet’s breed to ensure that you select a plan that covers them.

And while you’re considering all that, keep in mind that the clock is ticking. Pet insurance doesn’t cover pre-existing conditions, so once problems start cropping up, you’re on the hook for them. To get full coverage, you’ll need to commit while your pet is still healthy.

Pet insurance remains relatively uncommon, and only a small number of my clients use it. But I have certainly seen cases where they were glad they did. When a cat suddenly finds herself with a urethral obstruction from bladder stones, or an otherwise healthy retriever blows out his knee at the dog park, insurance can prevent a medical emergency from becoming a financial one. I just wish it was all simpler.

Dr. Mike Fietz is a small animal veterinarian at Georgetown Veterinary Hospital. He received his veterinary degree from Cornell University in 2003 and has lived in Charlottesville since.

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Holiday hazards: Keeping pets safe for the season

Taking steps in advance to keep pets away from the holiday bling and chocolate bark can keep them out of trouble.

The holidays must be a weird time for our pets. Their familiar homes are suddenly brimming with strange trinkets and lights. New smells are wafting in from the kitchen. And did I mention there’s a tree in the living room? While most pets adapt quickly to our inexplicable traditions, a few will find ways to get into trouble.

Perhaps the first thing that comes to mind is the poisonous potential of the season. From baked goods to little foil-wrapped Santas, there is a whole lot of chocolate around this time of year. While small amounts of chocolate aren’t as toxic as you might fear, no self-respecting dog is going to stop with just one bite. It’s a good idea to keep that box of candy on the countertop instead of the coffee table.

Poinsettia plants are another inescapable Christmas symbol, and are widely known for their toxicity. Thankfully, their reputation is generally unearned. These plants can be minor irritants and can cause some stomach upset, but don’t present a life-threatening danger. It’s still wise to keep them out of reach, but there’s no need to banish them from your home.

Other holiday décor can be irresistible to curious animals. Dogs may try to snack on low-hanging ornaments, and what cat wouldn’t want to climb his own personal tree? Strings of lights and other electrical decorations can pose the risk of burns or electrocution if bitten. Depending on your pets’ personalities, you may need to find creative ways to keep them away from your newly decked halls, or reconsider what decorations you choose.

When it comes time to open gifts, keep your animals in mind. Ribbons and strings look nice on a present, but can quickly obstruct the intestines of pets that consume them. As gifts are unpackaged, twist ties and plastic bags left out can be a choking or asphyxiation hazard. And animals may not be able to tell the difference between a child’s new treasure and a chew toy.

Setting aside these holiday trappings, it’s also a time of year to gather with friends and family. While many pets relish the company, anxious animals may find the chaos stressful. The constant arrivals and departures can trigger dogs’ protective tendencies or allow flighty animals to escape. And the sudden presence of children (who, let’s be honest, can get a little intense under the influence of Christmas) may increase the risk of bites and scratches. If there’s any doubt at all, it’s best to keep animals safely elsewhere until things calm down.

Animals are inherently festive, and they can bring a lot of joy to the season. But there is a lot going on this time of year, and much of it can be confusing for our pets. Most seasonal hazards require a bit of mindfulness to avoid, but with a house full of guests and dinner cooking in the kitchen, it’s easy to get distracted just long enough for trouble to start. Taking a moment in advance to identify potential problems can make it easier to relax once the celebration really begins.

Dr. Mike Fietz is a small animal veterinarian at Georgetown Veterinary Hospital. He received his veterinary degree from Cornell University in 2003 and has lived in Charlottesville since.

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Strep search: Don’t blame your sore throat on the dog

It’s tempting to test the dog when a family can’t shake strep throat, but washing your hands proves to be more effective than treating Rover.

It happens at least once a year. Family members taking turns with strep throat, and they bring the dog in to see if he might be the culprit. It’s a completely reasonable concern, although I’m surprised at how often it has been suggested by the family physician or pediatrician. Because the answer is the same every time: No, the dog didn’t give anybody strep throat.

Most of us have probably tangled with strep throat at one point or another, and it’s a notoriously unpleasant experience. Lymph nodes under the jaw become swollen and sore. Horrible pustules line the back of the throat, bringing pain and frustration with them. It quickly responds to a course of antibiotics, but this still requires an inconvenient trip to the doctor and that gag-inducing test where they swab the back of your throat. This test is specifically looking for group A streptococcus—the bacteria that cause all this misery.

The thing about this infection is that it really likes people. We are its victim, but also its source. Many people harboring it have no symptoms at all. There is no vaccine, and the only prevention is good hygiene and a dash of hope. And unlike so many other diseases, recent infection with strep doesn’t prevent you from getting it again, which means that groups of people can continue passing it around indefinitely.

So what about the dog? The simple fact is that there are no clearly documented cases of dogs giving people strep throat. Although the offending bacteria can (rarely) be cultured from dogs, all evidence suggests that they only carry the bacteria temporarily after picking it up from a person. It doesn’t want to live in dogs, and it isn’t there long enough to multiply and become contagious.

You’ve probably noticed that there’s some wiggle room here. If dogs can carry the bacteria even briefly, isn’t it possible—however unlikely—that they might hand it off to a person? Sure. Biology is nothing if not unpredictable. But in these hypothetical cases, the dog would be serving a role no different than a contaminated pillow or a used glass. Testing the dog makes no more sense than testing every other object in the house for the presence of group A strep.

There is a lot of pressure on veterinarians to prescribe antibiotics to dogs when a family is visited by a stubborn round of strep throat. At a glance, what harm can it do? Even if it just makes everybody feel better, isn’t that worth it? Unfortunately, no it isn’t. Among other man-made catastrophes, antibiotic resistance is a threat to every single one of us. Tossing antibiotics at the dog without justification is one more incremental contribution to a global problem.

Strep throat can be frustrating, especially when a family can’t seem to shake it. But there is no need to conjecture about some mysterious culprit when we already know exactly where it’s coming from. It comes from us. Let’s leave the dog out of this.

Dr. Mike Fietz is a small animal veterinarian at Georgetown Veterinary Hospital. He received his veterinary degree from Cornell University in 2003, and has lived in Charlottesville since.

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Control issues: New restrictions on prescribing opioids for pets

What do new restrictions on controlled substances mean for pet owners?

It’s been hard to escape news of the opioid crisis over the past few years. And it’s just as difficult to ignore the complicity of the nation’s health care system in creating it. Opioid medications—drugs similar to morphine and named for the opium poppy plant that produces them—have an important role to play in patient care. Used correctly, they are vital tools in controlling pain and suffering. But they have not always been used correctly, and the resulting addiction crisis has come at great cost in dollars and, more importantly, lives.

These drugs are also used in veterinary medicine. The past few decades have seen an increased emphasis on pain management in veterinary patients, and I believe that is a good thing. Short-term use of opioids is a safe and effective way to control acute pain associated with things like surgery or trauma. The danger comes with long-term use, as opioid receptors in the brain become accustomed to the drug and demand more of it.

There remain, however, many cases where long-term opioid use is justified. Some animals have concurrent medical conditions that preclude use of non-opioid alternatives. And sometimes, it’s the only thing that works. While animals can become addicted in theory, it is uncommon in practice. They simply have no control over their own dosing, which limits the potential for escalating abuse.

Recent changes in Virginia state law have established a prescription monitoring program that creates a consolidated database intended to track use and misuse of controlled drugs. This includes opioid medications like tramadol, and even some non-opioid medications like gabapentin that have the potential for abuse. These laws extend to veterinarians and have resulted in significant changes in the way we can prescribe these medications. The concern isn’t that animals are becoming addicted, of course. It’s that these drugs might be diverted for human use.

Veterinarians were given two options to comply with this program, and the first—submitting daily reports of all controlled substances prescribed—just isn’t feasible for most practices. Instead, most have elected to accept a waiver that limits them to dispensing one week of medication. If more than that is required, it must be prescribed through an external pharmacy so it can be monitored appropriately. It also requires that these animals be evaluated at least once every six months to keep the prescription active.

What does this all mean for pet owners? Mostly, it means that things are less convenient than they were before. If your pet requires ongoing use of a controlled substance, it is important to make sure that she is seen by her vet every six months. Your vet may be able to help by sending an automated reminder. It is also important to request refills well before your current supply runs out to avoid problems and delays.

I don’t know how much of a role veterinarians really play in the opioid crisis, but we’re wrapped up in it all the same. While these drugs shouldn’t necessarily be feared, they deserve respect and care in their use. Inconvenient as they may be, these new regulations are intended to make sure that care is taken.

Dr. Mike Fietz is a small animal veterinarian at Georgetown Veterinary Hospital. He received his veterinary degree from Cornell University in 2003 and has lived in Charlottesville since.

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False promises: The myth of hypoallergenic dogs

The idea that pet owners can find a hypoallergenic dog is not backed by science. Image: Getty Images

Finding a new dog isn’t trivial, and I’m often faced with questions about the process. There are so many variables to consider. Should you adopt a puppy or rescue an adult? What size dog best fits your lifestyle? Some questions have easier answers than others, and many require a degree of generalization that makes me uncomfortable. I can never say for sure that a certain breed will be good with children or that your choice will be easier to house train. But there is one thing I do know for sure: You can give up on your search for a hypoallergenic breed.

Allergies to pets are a very real thing. For many, the symptoms are some mild sniffling and sneezing. But more severe reactions are possible, ranging from rashes to asthma attacks. It is understandable that people afflicted with such allergies might want assurance that their new best friend isn’t going to be a medical liability. And that’s why it is vitally important to make this clear: As pervasive as the idea has become, there is absolutely no evidence that some breeds are hypoallergenic.

Don’t put away the tissues just yet.

Research has shown absolutely no difference in the presence of allergens in homes with supposedly hypoallergenic dogs compared to homes with “regular” ones.

Allergies happen when the immune system overreacts to something that wouldn’t otherwise be a threat. In this case, proteins in a dog’s skin or saliva are the trigger. While direct contact with dogs can produce symptoms, it isn’t necessary. Microscopic flakes of skin are constantly being shed from any animal. These particles, collectively called dander, will spread well beyond the dog’s reach. Some will remain suspended in the air, waiting to be inhaled. Others settle on clothing or furniture, ready to trigger skin allergies on contact.

While many breeds of dog are advertised as hypoallergenic, the most common ones seem to be those perceived as shedding less. The idea is that if they aren’t filling your home with fur, then they must not be filling it with dander either. It’s a completely reasonable supposition. Unfortunately, it also turns out to be a false one. Research has shown absolutely no difference in the presence of allergens in homes with supposedly hypoallergenic dogs compared to homes with “regular” ones.

Wittingly or not, breeders have seized on the popularity of hypoallergenic breeds. These dogs are often sold at premium prices to families willing to spend thousands of dollars for a perceived medical necessity. These families deserve to know that they are buying into a fiction.

If someone in your family does suffer from pet allergies, it is important to speak to your physician or allergist before adding a dog or cat to your home. Perhaps the allergy is mild enough to be managed with air filters, designated pet-free rooms, or medication. But the decision and its consequences are too important to revolve around a myth.

Dr. Mike Fietz is a small animal veterinarian at Georgetown Veterinary Hospital. He received his veterinary degree from Cornell University in 2003 and has lived in Charlottesville since.

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The tangled reality of hairballs

While they are generally a nasty bit of business, excessive hairballs may indicate an underlying problem like anxiety or inflammatory bowel disease. Getty Images

I’ve always been a sound sleeper. Garbage trucks? Thunderstorms? Please. But the low, glugging sound of my cat depositing a hairball three rooms away can wrest me from the deepest slumber in an instant. It’s as if that noise is wired directly to the sleep center of my brain.

Most cat owners are somewhat familiar with these grudging bouts of nocturnal carpet-cleaning. Sometimes you just find a few wisps of hair wet with bile. Other times, you recover a big furry slug, technically known as a trichobezoar (hideous regardless of what you call it). But is it true that hairballs are just a normal part of being a cat? But how much is too much? The answer is, so to speak, fuzzy.

Hairballs may be common, but that doesn’t mean they are normal. While hair is ingested as part of regular grooming, it is meant to pass straight through like everything else. If too much hair accumulates in the stomach at once, it may come back up as a hairball. But in a healthy cat, these instances should be infrequent. Serial offenders likely have a broader underlying problem.

It stands to reason that cats who consume more hair are more likely to produce hairballs, so the first thing we look for is evidence of excessive grooming. Cats may ingest too much hair while tending to fleas, allergies, or other skin conditions. And others may overgroom as a response to psychological stress or anxiety.

If a cat isn’t swallowing too much fur, the next worry is that the gastrointestinal system is doing a poor job of handling it. Inflammatory bowel disease is a common underlying problem in cats, and frequently comes with liver or pancreatic disease in tow, requiring varying degrees of medical and dietary intervention.

Confusing things further is that unrelated conditions can be misinterpreted as hairballs. People frequently describe “coughing” and “hacking” when they suspect their cat might have a hairball, but these verbs can be ambiguous and misleading. Hairballs are vomited, not coughed. A coughing cat is more likely to have a respiratory condition like asthma than a hairball problem. In these cases, video of an episode can be invaluable in making sure that diagnostic efforts get started on the right track.

None of this is to say that every cat who pukes up a hairball, or even several, needs a massive medical investigation. Hairballs may be abnormal, but so long as they are infrequent, they may represent minor, transient upsets. We all have our bad days. But if a pattern starts to emerge, or if those hairballs are seen alongside other symptoms like weight loss, it may be time to consider underlying causes before they get out of hand.

The management of hairballs is not one-size-fits-all. Commercial hairball diets and supplements are intended to grease up hairballs and allow them to pass normally, but their efficacy is dubious. Brushing your cat regularly may help by reducing the amount of hair ingested during grooming, especially in long-haired cats. But when it comes down to it, the best way to manage hairballs is to discover and address the root cause.

Dr. Mike Fietz is a small animal veterinarian at Georgetown Veterinary Hospital. He received his veterinary degree from Cornell University in 2003 and has lived in Charlottesville since.

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Breathing easier: Getting through reverse sneezing

Your pooch may look frightfully stressed when reverse sneezing occurs, but most cases are temporary. file photo

Anything that looks this terrifying must be an emergency. The poor dog is standing with her legs braced and head thrust forward, and the corners of her mouth are pulled taught in a frightening grimace. Her belly contracts and her ribcage tenses in powerful bursts, and a thundering snort marks each strained breath. She’s distressed, and it feels like it’s gone on far too long. You reach for the phone and before you can dial your vet, it’s over. She wags her tail and goes about her day.

Alarming as it might appear at the time, this describes a typical bout of reverse sneezing, and it is simply an attempt to alleviate some kind of discomfort in the rear of the nasal cavity. In much the same way that a regular sneeze tries to blow an irritant out of the nose with an explosive burst of air, reverse sneezing attempts to suck an irritant back into the throat so it can be swallowed or spit out.

In most cases, the cause of irritation is minor and temporary. Perhaps a bit of dust or a blade of grass from the yard got stuck in the wrong place. If so, you may see a few episodes before it clears up for good. If allergies are responsible, you might see a pattern of symptoms occurring only in certain months. But so long as symptoms are sporadic, there isn’t any cause for alarm.

If reverse sneezing is observed frequently over a long period, however, it could indicate that more is going on. Brachycephalic breeds (like pugs, bulldogs and others with scrunched-up faces) can develop reverse sneezing because their soft palate is too long and hangs in the way. Nasal mites (yeah, that’s really a thing) are another potential cause and stubborn cases of reverse sneezing might be treated just to see what happens. And rarely, tumors and polyps in the nasal passageway can be responsible, but these may require advanced imaging like CT scans to locate.

Regardless of the cause, there isn’t much to do during a bout of reverse sneezing. It will stop on its own once the irritation is cleared. I’ve seen all sorts of suggested remedies. Some people recommend covering one or both nostrils, blowing gently in the dog’s nose or stroking the throat. I don’t know of any evidence that these methods help, but since the problem is self-limiting, I suspect that nearly any action can be misinterpreted as effective. Most episodes are finished in a few minutes no matter what you decide to do. My preference is to leave them alone. Getting in the dog’s face may add a new irritation while they try to manage the first one.

Thankfully, reverse sneezing is one of those things that looks far worse than it is. While some cases eventually warrant a deeper look, most of them blow over in a hurry, and you and your dog can both breathe a sigh of relief.

Dr. Mike Fietz is a small animal veterinarian at Georgetown Veterinary Hospital. He received his veterinary degree from Cornell University in 2003 and has lived in Charlottesville since.

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Scooby deux: The problem with canine cloning

Cloning your beloved canine does not mean you’ll have the same pet. Clones are much like twins with their own unique physical characteristics and personalities. Photo by Bill LeSueur

It was a trivial bit of celebrity news, but it evoked conversations I’ve had with clients in the past, and probably meant I’d be having them more often in the future. Barbra Streisand cloned her dog. I have never had someone approach me with the serious intention of cloning a pet, but the idea is frequently sprinkled into wistful conversation after a loss. “She was such a great dog. I wish we’d cloned her.”

Anybody who has lost a dog can sympathize with this wish. It is such a deep and fulfilling bond that we share with our dogs, and it is precious in its brevity. Wouldn’t it be something if cloning could circumvent biological reality and let that bond persist indefinitely?

To answer that question, it’s important to be clear about what a clone is. Science fiction often depicts cloning as a kind of biological photocopier. Short on time, but need a vast army of perfectly identical Stormtroopers? Bring in the clones! This vision of cloning presumes that genes work like blueprints—that they contain an encoded description of the final product. This misconception is common not only in fiction, but in classrooms. There is a good chance you once learned that DNA is the “blueprint of life.” If you did, it is best to unlearn that lesson.

Genes do not function as blueprints. They do not describe the end result. Instead, they provide a set of conditional instructions to be carried out in time. Variations in exactly how those instructions are performed can—and will—result in significant differences. This means that identical genes will never be expressed the same way twice. This phenomenon is so complex that it has spawned an entire field of study called epigenetics, but it won’t surprise anybody who knows identical twins. They are similar, to be sure. If you don’t know them well, you might even have trouble telling them apart. But on closer inspection, the differences become clear. They look different. They act different. They are genetically identical, but unique individuals.

Stripped of all the science, a clone is just an identical twin born at a different time. While natural identical twins occur when a single embryo splits in two, a clone is produced when the DNA from a living animal is transplanted into a new egg. But the result is effectively the same. If you were able to clone your dog, you wouldn’t be getting your dog back. You wouldn’t even be getting a copy. You’d be getting a virtual twin, with all the differences that implies.

Right now, dog cloning is far too rare and expensive to be accessible to anybody but the ultra-wealthy. But as these services become more available, it is important that people understand what they really offer. And, more to the point, what they don’t. It’s not the ethics of cloning that concerns me so much as the ethics of marketing it for this purpose. I worry that the promise of commercial cloning preys upon a fundamental misunderstanding, exploiting a heartfelt desire to preserve one relationship by covertly replacing it with another.

It is sad that we need to part ways with our pets, but I’m afraid that cloning offers no way around it. The best and only way to get more time with your dog is the old-fashioned way—spending it with them to begin with.

Dr. Mike Fietz is a small-animal veterinarian at Georgetown Veterinary Hospital. He received his veterinary degree from Cornell University in 2003 and has lived in Charlottesville since.

Ready to be adopted!

Hello! My name might be Beauty, but I’m not all about my looks. In fact, I’m pretty adventurous—
I’m up for long walks and playing chase, and interested in taking agility or nose-work classes. Let’s explore together.

What’s up? I’m Brooklyn, a medium- hair, muted tortie with a love of the outdoors. Once inside, I’ll sit and let you brush my fluffy coat for hours (how fun!), as long as there are no other cats or dogs around.

Hey, I’m Chloe. Folks at the shelter describe me as “spritely” and “friendly.” And I guess that’s true—I love playing, eating treats, receiving pets and generally hanging on your every word. Let’s be pals! 

You may call me Watson (that’s my name, indubitably). I can be a bit of a wallflower, so my new family will need to help me socialize, with both humans and other canines. Perhaps an obedience class is the ticket.

Charlottesville-Albemarle SPCA, 3355 Berkmar Dr. 973-5959, caspca.org, noon-6pm, daily

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As spring blooms, beware of flowers toxic to pets

Cat owners should avoid keeping lilies in their homes and their gardens because the plants, flowers and even pollen are dangerous to their pets.

It’s not yet safe to think that spring has fully sprung, but as the occasional warm days sneak back onto the calendar, it’s hard to resist cracking the windows and cleaning the house in preparation for brighter weather. In my case, that optimistic spirit invariably leads to the purchase of a few houseplants. Ignoring all prior experience, I believe this just has to be the year in which I’ll finally keep them alive for more than a week and a half.

If you live with animals, your choice of botanical decor should depend on more than just appearances. Unfortunately, some of the most beautiful plants are also the most dangerous. Those fiery tiger lilies might look fantastic in the garden, and the Easter lily on your kitchen table might be appropriate for the holiday, but they are outright deadly to cats.

Although it’s been known for some time, it remains unclear exactly why lilies are so poisonous to cats. The offending compound hasn’t been identified, but it makes quick work of a cat’s kidneys when ingested, even in a small amount. It doesn’t matter if they chew on the leaves, stem or petals. There is even evidence that the plant’s pollen is as toxic as the plant itself. Regardless, it only takes a few hours for symptoms to kick in, and fatal kidney failure follows within a day or two.

If a cat is caught in the act, prompt treatment to empty the stomach and provide hospitalized supportive care can save its life. But because lilies are often grown outdoors, ingestion frequently goes unrecognized until the damage is done. These cases may still benefit from aggressive treatment, but the prognosis is sadly more doubtful.

Oddly, cats are the only animals known to be affected by this particular toxicity. Other animals, including dogs, can eat these plants with only a bit of stomach upset to show for it.

Adding further confusion is the fact that not all lilies are lilies. Not technically, at any rate. The lily of the valley belongs to an entirely different family of plant and doesn’t cause renal failure in cats. But don’t relax just yet. Instead, it contains compounds called glycosides that can disrupt the normal function of the heart.

Still other pretenders include peace lilies and calla lilies. These unrelated plants are also toxic, but in a far lesser sense. Instead, they contain microscopic crystals called oxalates that can cause serious inflammation of the mouth, throat and stomach when ingested. They won’t kill anybody, but they can leave curious pets with a mouthful of regret.

I suppose it’s nice to know that not all lilies are cat killers, but the others still deal their share of damage. When it comes to preparing my home for spring, I think I’ll just leave any lilies out of it. It’s clearly the safest choice for my pets’ well-being. And given my track record with plants, it’s probably best for the lilies as well.

Dr. Mike Fietz is a small-animal veterinarian at Georgetown Veterinary Hospital. He received his veterinary degree from Cornell University in 2003 and has lived in Charlottesville since.

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Thoroughly Vetted: Dogs and cats have an extra eyelid

If a pet’s third eyelid remains exposed, it means something is wrong with that eye.

At a glance, you wouldn’t even know it’s there. Dogs and cats appear to have the same two eyelids that we do. But look closer, especially if you find your pet half asleep, and you might catch a glimpse of their third eyelid. Properly called the nictitans, it’s a pink sheet of tissue that stretches diagonally from the inner corner of each eye, but which stays drawn out of view under normal circumstances.

The nictitans isn’t unique to our household pets. This membrane is common across the animal kingdom, and is seen in a variety of mammals, birds, fish, reptiles and amphibians. It’s even translucent in some species, functioning as flip-up safety goggles. And while human beings don’t have a proper third eyelid, you can see the vestigial remnant of yours in the mirror—a little band of pink tissue called the plica semilunaris.

In dogs and cats, the third eyelid isn’t directly controlled by any muscles. Instead, it works as a spring-loaded protective device. When threatened or injured, the eye reflexively sinks backwards into its socket. This simply gives the nictitans enough room to pop up and do its job. Once the situation has passed, the eye returns to its normal position, forcing the nictitans back into its pocket.

This is important because if a pet’s third eyelid remains exposed, it means something is wrong with that eye. It could be a simple eye infection, or perhaps a scratched cornea. Sometimes I’ll find foreign material—perhaps a bit of grass or grit—stuck in there. And if both are exposed, it can indicate a wide variety of underlying causes ranging from dehydration to neuromuscular disease.

It’s not uncommon that I see an animal with an injured third eyelid. It’s relatively delicate, and the edge can easily be cut or torn. But these injuries are usually simple to manage, and serve as evidence that the membrane performed admirably. Better to have an injured third eyelid than an injured eyeball. These cases are the ocular equivalent of fender-benders.

At least a few times a year, I’m also likely to see a puppy with “cherry eye,” an ugly pink lump in the corner of one or both eyes. That lump is a wayward tear gland that is supposed to be tucked deep behind the third eyelid. In some dogs (and rarely in cats), the tissue meant to hold the gland in place is too loose, allowing it to pop up over the edge of the lid. Apart from being unsightly, this can damage the tear gland and cause chronic irritation, and usually requires surgical correction to put that little sucker back where it belongs.

Perhaps it’s a bit odd that our pets have a third eyelid that we don’t. But given its prevalence in other species, and how useful it can be in preventing injury, I think it’s more appropriate to wonder why we only have two.

Dr. Mike Fietz is a small animal veterinarian at Georgetown Veterinary Hospital. He received his veterinary degree from Cornell University in 2003 and has lived in Charlottesville since.

Ready to be adopted!


Penelope here. So, I got into some scuffles with my sister and ended up here. I’m real gentle, honest! I’d just prefer to be the only dog in your life.

Hey, I’m Puca. I’m not shy about asking for attention, whether you’re at the computer or lounging on the couch. I just want some pets. Can we snuggle?

What’s up? I’m Andy, and I’ve never met a stranger. Give me treats and I’m yours forever (and I’ll work on that whole leash thing—I’ve almost got it!).

Hi, I’m Franie. Around here, I’m pretty popular—I love attention and will stop at nothing to get it. Let’s have a chat or sit and bird-watch.

Charlottesville-Albemarle SPCA, 3355 Berkmar Dr. 973-5959, caspca.org, noon-6pm, daily